Machine-learning-assisted waveguide scattering microscopy for the immunological detection of bovine brucellosis: A proof concept

Author(s):Show less -

Fonsaca, Jessica E. S. ; Teixeira, Wanderson S. R. ; Tieppo, Bianca ; Raitz, Cesar ; Rehan, Mohd ; Gerosa, Rodrigo M. ; Megid, Jane ; Appolinario, Camila M. ; Salles, Maiara O. ; Saito, Lucia A. M. ; Vale, Daniella L. ; Grasseschi, Daniel ; de Matos, Christiano J. S.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL; v. 432, p. 10-pg., 2025-06-01.

Abstract

Photonic biosensors based on optical waveguides are at the forefront of biosensing technology, offering exceptional sensitivity and robustness. This study presents a proof-of-concept for detecting Brucella abortus antibodies in bovine serum using He-Ne laser-excited integrated optical waveguides. The antigen-antibody interactions in positive samples resulted in agglutination, forming scattering spots on the light-coupled waveguide, while no such spots were observed in negative samples. These spots were imaged over time using a microscope-coupled camera, generating 718 images that were processed to create a dataset for an artificial neural network (ANN). The ANN accurately distinguished between positive and negative samples, achieving 98.6 % accuracy, 98.7 % precision, and 98.7 % recall, with only a 1.4 % loss. This method detected bacterial antibodies in real animal samples within 20 min, using just 100 mu L of reagents without requiring prior waveguide surface modification for antigen immobilization. Combining light scattering-based sensing protocols in photonic waveguides with machine learning tools offers a promising pathway for revolutionizing infectious disease diagnostics. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/04830-0 - Biofunctionalization of photonic waveguide biosensors for sepsis diagnosis
• Grantee: Jéssica Eliza Silva Fonsaca
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 22/07892-3 - Characterization of integrated nonlinear devices
• Grantee: Mohd Rehan
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 18/25339-4 - Integrated photonics devices
• Grantee: Newton Cesario Frateschi
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/13288-6 - Two-dimensional materials and their derivatives in photonic biosensoring of pathogens
• Grantee: Jéssica Eliza Silva Fonsaca
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral